Charles County, MD
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SHIP provides free, unbiased help to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Whether you are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions about how to navigate your benefits, SHIP can help. Trained staff and volunteer counselors are available to help with:
- Understanding coverage and costs
- Plan comparison and enrollment
- Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
- Paying for Medicare and prescriptions
- Billing issues and appeals
- Healthcare fraud and marketing violations
- Referral to other resources
- Medicare and You 2025 Handbook
- Community Outreach and Presentations for local organizations
SHIP Local Help Navigating Medicare Commercial
Medicare Moment: Parts A & B Benefits
For assistance call the Information and Assistance Offices:
301-609-5712 (La Plata area residents)
240-448-2816 (Waldorf area residents)
301-934-9305 (Western Charles County residents)
Annual Open Enrollment Period October 15th – December 7th
During this time, you can make changes to your health insurance coverage, including adding, dropping, or changing your Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage. Even if you are happy with your current health and drug coverage, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is a good time to review what you have, compare it with other options, and ensure that your current coverage still meets your needs for the coming year.
If you need one-on-one help to review plan options call to schedule an appointment with a SHIP Counselor 301-609-5712.
Have you compared your options?
Self-Enrollment Computer Labs
Join us for an open computer lab if you want to “do it yourself” but with the support and guidance of a SHIP counselor. *Must be able to use the computer and bring a list of medications.
Charles County Public Libraries (9am -12pm):
Oct 30, 2024 ----La Plata Library
Nov 19, 2024 ---Waldorf West Library
Senior Centers (9am – 12pm):
Oct 22, 2024---Indian Head Senior Center
Oct 23, 2024 ---Waldorf Senior & Recreation Center
Nov 13, 2024 --- Waldorf Senior & Recreation Center
Dec 4, 2024--- Richard R. Clark Senior Center
General Enrollment Period January 1st – March 31st
If you did not sign up for Medicare Parts A and/or B during your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may sign up during this time. Visit the Social Security Administration to apply.